Russian mercenary operations in Mali have fueled resentment inside the army and ruling junta, triggered security lapses, and failed to secure mining deals, according to a report published Wednesday by investigative group The Sentry.
Wagner began operating in Mali after the military seized power in coups in 2020 and 2021 and expelled French and U.N. forces that had battled Islamist insurgents for a decade. Wagner announced its departure in June, but Africa Corps—a Kremlin-controlled paramilitary force composed 70–80% of ex-Wagner fighters, according to Russian mercenary Telegram channels—said it would remain.
Rights groups have repeatedly accused Wagner, fighting alongside Malian troops, of abuses against civilians. The Sentry’s report, based on interviews with officials from the military, intelligence, finance and mines ministries, says the mercenaries also complicated operations: fighters “often operated outside the chain of command,” used army equipment, and conducted missions without clearance, at times resulting in the loss of vehicles, kit or personnel, and leaving units short of gear during insurgent attacks. Soldiers also complained that Russians received preferential treatment such as scarce medical evacuations.
Earlier this month, authorities arrested more than 30 soldiers and officers over an alleged bid to destabilize the government. Investigators told Reuters the arrests followed a meeting where grievances were aired, including claims that “Russians” still appeared to command at certain bases.
U.S. officials believe Defense Minister Sadio Camara brokered Wagner’s entry and sanctioned him in 2023. The report says President Assimi Goïta blocked requests to compensate Wagner with mining licenses or concessions. As a result, “no viable business has been set up; relations with the military have worsened over time; and Wagner’s fearsome reputation has been undercut by a series of military setbacks,” The Sentry found.
Russia’s Defense Ministry and Wagner did not immediately respond to requests for comment.